Great Collection of Sample SMS/Messages

Last month, I watched our entire marketing team struggle to find the right words when our beloved project manager announced her move to Seattle. The awkward silence in the conference room was painful. According to a 2023 LinkedIn study, 67% of professionals maintain valuable career connections through thoughtful farewell communications, yet most of us freeze when it's time to say goodbye.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

Last month, I watched our entire marketing team struggle to find the right words when our beloved project manager announced her move to Seattle. The awkward silence in the conference room was painful. According to a 2023 LinkedIn study, 67% of professionals maintain valuable career connections through thoughtful farewell communications, yet most of us freeze when it's time to say goodbye.

Professional farewells aren't just polite gestures—they're relationship investments. Whether your colleague is switching companies, relocating internationally, or entering retirement, the right bon voyage message can transform an awkward goodbye into a meaningful connection that lasts years.

I've compiled over 50 carefully crafted farewell messages for every workplace scenario. From brief but impactful notes to heartfelt messages for your closest work friends, you'll find the perfect words to send your colleagues off with style and sincerity.

Warm Professional Farewell Messages

These messages strike the perfect balance between professional courtesy and genuine warmth, ideal for most workplace relationships.

Professional bon voyage messages acknowledge achievements, express gratitude, and offer genuine well-wishes for future success while maintaining appropriate workplace boundaries.

• "Wishing you incredible success in your new role! Your dedication and positive energy made our team stronger. The best adventures await you ahead."
• "Your professionalism and expertise have been truly inspiring. Congratulations on this exciting new chapter—they're lucky to have you!"
• "Thank you for the collaboration and insights you've shared. Your new team is gaining an exceptional professional. Best wishes for continued success!"
• "It's been a pleasure working alongside someone so talented and driven. Your future is bright, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes you."
• "Your contributions here won't be forgotten. Wishing you fulfillment and achievement in your next adventure. Stay in touch!"
• "Congratulations on your new opportunity! Your work ethic and positive attitude have made a lasting impact. Here's to your continued growth and success."

Tip: Consider pairing your farewell message with a thoughtful desk plant or succulent to symbolize growth in their new environment.

Messages for Close Work Friends

When a colleague has become a genuine friend, your farewell message can be more personal while remaining workplace-appropriate.

Close colleague messages can incorporate shared memories and express personal connection while focusing on positive future outcomes and continued friendship beyond work.

• "I'm going to miss our coffee conversations and your infectious laugh! While I'm sad to see you go, I'm thrilled about your new adventure. Let's definitely stay connected."
• "Remember when we survived that impossible deadline together? That's when I knew you were special. Your new team has no idea how lucky they are. Can't wait to hear about your adventures!"
• "You've been more than a colleague—you've been a true friend. Distance won't change that. Wishing you joy, success, and maybe a few less Monday morning meetings!"
• "Our lunch dates and project brainstorming sessions made work feel less like work. Your friendship has meant the world to me. Here's to staying connected across the miles!"
• "You brought so much laughter and wisdom to our team. I'll miss having my work bestie nearby, but I'm excited to follow your journey. Don't be a stranger!"
• "From sharing deadlines to sharing dreams, you've made work life brighter. Your new chapter is going to be amazing. Let's plan that catch-up dinner soon!"

• 75+ Farewell Messages for Colleague Leaving: Best Wishes Guide
• 75+ Farewell Thank You Messages for Colleagues When Leaving
• 75+ Heartfelt Messages for Husband at Work to Brighten His Day

Leadership and Mentorship Farewell Messages

Departing leaders and mentors deserve messages that acknowledge their guidance and lasting impact on your professional development.

Messages to departing leaders should highlight their positive impact on team development, express specific gratitude for mentorship, and acknowledge their lasting influence on workplace culture.

• "Your leadership style taught me that success comes from lifting others up. Thank you for believing in my potential and guiding my growth. Your legacy here is profound."
• "You didn't just manage—you mentored, inspired, and empowered. The lessons you've shared will guide my career for years to come. Wishing you continued leadership success!"
• "Under your guidance, I learned that great leaders create more leaders. Your wisdom and support have shaped who I am professionally. Thank you for everything."
• "You've been the kind of leader I aspire to become—thoughtful, encouraging, and genuinely invested in your team's success. Your next organization is incredibly fortunate."
• "Thank you for seeing potential in me that I didn't see in myself. Your mentorship has been invaluable. I'm excited to apply everything you've taught me."
• "Your open door policy and patient guidance made all the difference in my career development. Wishing you fulfillment and success in your next leadership journey."

Tip: Consider gifting a high-quality leather portfolio or executive planner to commemorate their leadership impact and support their future endeavors.

Cross-Department and Remote Colleague Messages

Even limited interactions with colleagues from other departments or remote team members deserve thoughtful acknowledgment.

Messages to distant colleagues should focus on specific collaborative moments, express genuine appreciation for cross-functional support, and maintain appropriate professional distance while being warm.

• "Though we worked in different departments, your collaboration on the Q3 project was outstanding. Wishing you success in your new role and future endeavors!"
• "Your expertise and willingness to help across departments made such a difference. Thank you for always being so responsive and professional. Best of luck ahead!"
• "Even from different time zones, your positive energy came through in every video call. Your new team is gaining someone truly special. Congratulations!"
• "I appreciated your insights during our cross-functional meetings. Your perspective always added value. Wishing you exciting challenges and continued growth!"
• "Thank you for making remote collaboration feel seamless and enjoyable. Your professionalism and expertise have been impressive. Best wishes for your next chapter!"
• "Though our paths crossed briefly, your impact was meaningful. Your dedication and skill are evident in everything you do. Congratulations on your new opportunity!"

Retirement Bon Voyage Messages

Retirement farewells celebrate decades of service and honor the transition to a well-deserved new life chapter.

Retirement messages should celebrate career achievements, acknowledge lasting contributions to the organization, and express excitement for their well-earned rest and new adventures.

• "Thirty years of dedication, wisdom, and excellence—what an incredible legacy! Your retirement is so well-deserved. Enjoy every moment of this exciting new chapter."
• "You've been the backbone of this organization for decades. Your institutional knowledge and mentorship have shaped countless careers. Enjoy your retirement adventures!"
• "Congratulations on reaching this amazing milestone! Your years of service have made a lasting impact. Here's to sleeping in, traveling, and enjoying life's pleasures."
• "Your career has been a masterclass in professionalism and dedication. Thank you for everything you've contributed. May retirement bring you joy, relaxation, and new discoveries."
• "After years of early meetings and tight deadlines, you've earned every day of rest ahead. Your legacy here will continue inspiring future generations. Happy retirement!"
• "Your wisdom, experience, and steady presence will be deeply missed. Wishing you health, happiness, and countless adventures in your retirement years."

• 75+ Farewell Messages for Colleague Leaving: Best Wishes Guide
• 75+ Farewell Thank You Messages for Colleagues When Leaving
• 75+ Heartfelt Messages for Husband at Work to Brighten His Day

International Relocation Messages

International moves require courage and adaptability—your message should acknowledge both the excitement and challenges ahead.

International relocation messages should celebrate their adventurous spirit, acknowledge the courage required for cross-cultural transitions, and express support for their global journey.

• "What an incredible adventure awaits you! Moving internationally takes courage, and I admire your boldness. Wishing you smooth transitions and amazing discoveries abroad."
• "Your international move is so exciting! New cultures, experiences, and opportunities are waiting. Stay connected—I can't wait to hear about your global adventures."
• "From conference calls to international calls—what a journey! Your adaptability and spirit will serve you well overseas. Wishing you success in your new homeland."
• "International relocations are life-changing adventures. Your courage to embrace new cultures and challenges is inspiring. May this move bring incredible growth and joy."
• "You're about to become a global citizen! Your new country is gaining someone truly special. Wishing you seamless transitions and wonderful cultural discoveries."
• "Distance may separate us, but technology keeps us connected. Your international adventure is going to be amazing. Safe travels and successful settling in!"

Tip: Consider noise-canceling headphones as a thoughtful gift for their long international flights and future video calls across time zones.

Brief but Meaningful Messages

Sometimes the most powerful messages are the shortest ones—perfect for cards, quick emails, or brief conversations.

Brief bon voyage messages should convey genuine sentiment efficiently while maintaining professional appropriateness and maximizing impact with minimal words for various delivery methods.

• "Your next chapter is going to be amazing. Congratulations and best wishes!"
• "Thank you for everything. Wishing you incredible success ahead!"
• "It's been a pleasure working with you. Your future is bright!"
• "Congratulations on your new adventure. Stay in touch!"
• "Your talent will take you far. Best of luck in everything!"
• "Wishing you joy and success in your next journey!"
• "You'll be missed but not forgotten. Congratulations!"
• "New beginnings, endless possibilities. Go shine!"
• "Your impact here was real. Excited for what's next!"
• "Adventure awaits! Wishing you all the best ahead."

Creating Your Own Personalized Messages

The best bon voyage messages combine genuine sentiment with personal touches that reflect your unique relationship with the departing colleague.

Start by assessing your relationship depth—this determines your message tone and content. Close work friends can handle more personal references and humor, while distant colleagues need respectful professional acknowledgment. Consider specific contributions or shared memories that made your working relationship meaningful.

Your delivery method matters too. Text messages work well for brief, immediate responses, while email allows for longer, more thoughtful communications. Professional messaging templates can provide structure while you add personal elements.

Balance emotional honesty with professional boundaries. Express genuine feelings without oversharing or making the farewell about your loss rather than their opportunity. Include hopes for future connection when appropriate, but don't pressure ongoing relationships.

Always proofread for tone and professional appropriateness. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, workplace communications should maintain respect and positivity even during transitions. Your message reflects both your professionalism and your organization's culture.

Remember to consider timing—deliver your message when it can be received and appreciated, not during stressful transition periods or busy workdays.

The most memorable farewell messages acknowledge specific contributions, express genuine gratitude, and focus on the exciting opportunities ahead rather than the sadness of departure. Your colleague will remember the thoughtfulness long after they've settled into their new role.

Whether you choose a ready-made message from our collection or craft your own personalized farewell, the key is authenticity. Genuine sentiment, appropriately expressed, creates lasting positive impressions and maintains valuable professional relationships across distances and career changes.

Take time to choose words that match your relationship depth, add specific details that show you've paid attention to their contributions, and deliver your message at the right moment. These small gestures of thoughtfulness can transform routine workplace goodbyes into meaningful relationship investments that benefit both of you for years to come.

Remember to follow your organization's communication policies and workplace messaging best practices when sending farewell messages through company channels or personal devices.

How do I choose the right tone for my colleague's farewell message?

Consider your relationship depth and workplace culture. Professional acquaintances need respectful, formal messages, while close work friends can handle more personal, warm communication.

Should I mention specific projects or achievements in farewell messages?

Yes, specific references make messages more meaningful and personal. Mention collaborative successes, unique contributions, or positive impact they made on your work experience.

Is it appropriate to ask departing colleagues to stay in touch?

For genuine work relationships, expressing hope for future connection is appropriate. Use phrases like "stay in touch" rather than demanding ongoing communication or specific contact.

How long should a professional bon voyage message be?

Brief messages (1-2 sentences) work for casual relationships, while closer colleagues merit longer, more detailed farewells. Keep all messages focused and avoid unnecessary padding or repetition.

What should I avoid including in workplace farewell messages?

Avoid negative comments about the company, personal relationship details, salary discussions, or overly emotional language that might make recipients uncomfortable in professional settings.